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Photos: Whoa, A Metro Train Pulled Into Downtown Santa Monica
For the first time in over 60 years, a Metro train has reached downtown Santa Monica.
Back in May, a train finally crossed Westwood Boulevard on the Expo Line. With the second phase of the Expo Line set to be open early next year, Metro ran tests on Tuesday and Wednesday that saw a train pull into the Downtown Santa Monica terminal earlier this afternoon. According to Santa Monica Next , Phase II of the Expo Line will mark the first time the city will see passenger rail run through since 1953.
This is technically not the first time a train has made it into Santa Monica. One was towed across Centinela Avenue back in June, but starting last week trains began running through Santa Monica under their own power . On Wednesday, clearance was finally given for trains running beyond Lincoln Boulevard, bringing them within literally blocks from the beach.
Sponsored message
That train will be carrying people going to the beach someday. It'll be here soon, Los Angeles. We're almost there!
Expo is officially clearance testing west of Lincoln. pic.twitter.com/LgKC17TQbq
— Santa Monica Next (@SaMoNext) July 29, 2015
Expo has reached the @SMBigBlueBus Depot. pic.twitter.com/ysKbQonxBv
— Santa Monica Next (@SaMoNext) July 29, 2015
So close! pic.twitter.com/Qagk23tI9l
— LA Metro (@metrolosangeles) July 29, 2015
Just a few equally excited folks waiting for that Expo test train🚋 👭👬👫🚋 pic.twitter.com/RqzIuCjdv4
— LA Metro (@metrolosangeles) July 29, 2015
Expo is about to pull into the @DTSantaMonica terminus for the first time. pic.twitter.com/3bbFdDkgCo
— Santa Monica Next (@SaMoNext) July 29, 2015
Sponsored message
#Expo about to cross 4th Street at Colorado. pic.twitter.com/cirNV3FVPl
— Santa Monica Next (@SaMoNext) July 29, 2015
View from Downtown Santa Monica Station. Test train nearly there! pic.twitter.com/h0dm7cnqIz
— LA Metro (@metrolosangeles) July 29, 2015
Almost there! #Expo pic.twitter.com/brXf2mnGcU
— Santa Monica Next (@SaMoNext) July 29, 2015
#Expo has arrived in @DTSantaMonica. pic.twitter.com/dMH5o7ehGu
— Santa Monica Next (@SaMoNext) July 29, 2015
The eagle has landed.🚀🚋Ⓜ first (test) train into Santa Monica since 1953. pic.twitter.com/GyYwqejxLd
— LA Metro (@metrolosangeles) July 29, 2015
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
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Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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